Why do we charge an admission fee?

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We appreciate your curiosity! Unlike German Christmas markets that may receive public funding, our event operates independently. The entrance fee is essential to cover various operational costs, ensuring a magical experience for all our visitors. From venue rentals to labor, decorations, and supporting local vendors, your contribution helps us create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We're committed to providing a joyful and memorable experience, and your support through the entrance fee is a vital part of making it all happen! Additionally, keep an eye out for our discounts, offering up to 30% off on tickets & Season Passes!

What is a Family Season Pass? (NEW)

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Enjoy the Market all season long with our new Family Season Pass! It covers 2 Adult Tickets and 2 Youth Tickets (ages 7-17). The Family Season Pass works similar to the Season Pass - You can visit the Market during opening hours at any time, no time slots required! For extra family members, individual season passes are also available, but they come in one standard type with no youth or senior options

Do I need to book a timeslot for my child under 6?

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Children 6 and under are allowed into the Market for free! When booking your tickets, make sure to book a Child's ticket for the same time slot as your own ticket. The ticket will be booked and added to your cart free of charge.

Do I need to book a timeslot as a Season Pass holder?

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Season Pass holders do not need to book timeslots to enter the Market. Simply show up on the day you would like to visit and head to the Season Pass priority entrance. There are no blackout days for Season Pass holders this season.

I bought a General Admission ticket for someone but the ticket is in my name, do I have to change the ticket to their name?

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The name on General Admission tickets does not need to match the name of the ticket holder. You don't have to show your photo ID at the entrance. This means you can buy a ticket for your friend under your name and they will be able to enter the market.

Can I change the name on a Season Pass?

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Season Pass tickets must match the name and valid Government ID of the ticket holder. If you would like to change the name, get in contact here.

Please Note: We can only change the name on Season Passes that have not been used yet.

Can I change my timeslot after I’ve booked my tickets?

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Your ticket can be exchanged for another available date/time. Please note there is a service fee for each exchange and prices may vary depending on ticket selection. Follow the steps below, read this article OR watch this video! Please Note:
- You must exchange your entire order, you cannot select certain tickets in your order to exchange, and you cannot initiate two exchanges at the same time. - You will have 1 hour to use the temporary exchange credits. If not used within the hour then the exchange credits expire, and the tickets are left untouched. - You can only use exchange credits for orders of equal or greater value. - If you have a complimentary, transferred or free ticket you cannot initiate a ticket exchange. - There are no refunds.

When is the Vancouver Christmas Market open in 2023?

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Our 2023 Christmas Market will run everyday from November 16 through December 24.
The opening hours are:

Nov 16 – 30:
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Dec 1 – Dec 23:
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Dec 24:
Sunday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

How does the timeslot booking work?

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We use timeslot bookings to manage the Market's capacity effectively. During the online ticket purchase process, you'll be asked to pick a 30-minute timeslot from the available dates and times. It's important to arrive on the chosen date within your selected timeslot to ensure a smooth entry to the Market. However, once inside, you're free to stay as long as you like!

Please keep in mind that entrance to the Market depends on our event's capacity. If you happen to miss your chosen timeslot by a few minutes, don't worry—you can join the line for the next available timeslot.

Can I upgrade my regular ticket to a Season Pass?

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You can upgrade your tickets by returning your previous purchase for store credit and then buying a season pass. Follow the steps below or visit this article!

If you have a Showpass account:
1. Log in to your Showpass account.
2. Go to 'My Orders.'
3. Click 'Order Options' under your ticket.
4. Return your ticket.
5. Purchase a season pass.

If you checked out as a guest:
1. Open your order confirmation email.
2. Click the 'Connect Purchase' button.
3. Log in or create an account with the same email used for your purchase.
4. Go to 'My Orders'.
5. Exchange for a new ticket type.

Please Note:
- You can exchange tickets up to 2 hours before your reserved time slot.
- Exchange credits expire after 1 hour and must be used promptly.
- You can only exchange for tickets of equal or greater value.
- Complimentary, transferred, or free tickets are not eligible for exchange, and there are no refunds.

What is a Season Pass?

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Enjoy the Market as often as you like! Our popular Season Pass is back, and available while supplies last. Season Pass holders can visit the Market during opening hours at any time. There are no blackout days this season.

Please note that Season Passes are non-transferable, and a government-issued ID must be presented upon arrival.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options at the Market?

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Absolutely! We recommend having a look at our Vendors Page to see which vendors offer vegetarian and vegan options at the Market this year.

I lost something at the Market. Who should I talk to?

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We’re sorry you’ve lost something! Contact us here or at the Info Hut on site at the Market.

I bought tickets online but didn’t receive them…

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If you've purchased tickets online and haven't received them, here are the steps to follow:

1. Check your email's spam folder for an email from 'Showpass.' Sometimes, the tickets might end up there.
2. If you still can't locate your tickets, please submit a request through our contact form. Please ensure that you provide the name, email address, and phone number you used to purchase your tickets.

Can I bring alcoholic beverages into the Market?

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Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted into the Market.

You can purchase alcoholic drinks, including Glühwein and traditional Bavarian beers, at multiple spots within the Market. It's important to note that you'll need to present two forms of ID for alcohol purchases: one government-issued photo ID and a second form, such as a credit card.

What are the Market’s peak hours?

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Peak hours at the Market are weekday evenings from 5 pm onwards, and all day Friday to Sunday. Please note that the Market is at its busiest the final week before Christmas.

For a more quiet and line-free experience, we suggest visiting in the afternoon on weekdays.

Will there be entertainment?

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Yes, you can enjoy daily entertainment on our Flying Stage on our Christmas Pyramid this year.
Click here for our entertainment calendar for regular updates on who’s performing.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

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Yes, you can absolutely purchase tickets at the gate! However, we highly recommend securing your tickets in advance for various advantages. By doing so, you can:

1. Guarantee your desired timeslot.
2. Benefit from discounted admission rates.
3. Avoid waiting in the Box Office line.

Especially on weekends, certain timeslots may reach full capacity. Therefore, it's advisable to check availability before your visit. Please be aware that if a timeslot is marked as 'Sold Out', it means tickets won't be available at the gate either.

Where is the Market located?

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You can find the Market right in the heart of downtown at the Olympic Cauldron, located at Jack Poole Plaza: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6G 3E1.

For more details, visit Hours + Location.

How can I pay at the market?

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We encourage our guests to go cashless. Our Box Office accepts cash, credit and debit, but out vendors have varying payment methods available.

Please Note: We do not have ATM machines available at the Market.

Can I leave and re-enter the Market?

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Yes, you can. You'll need to get a re-entry stamp from security at the gate near the the waterside Cactus Club exit. Re-entry is only permitted from this gate and only valid for same-day re-entry.

Where can I buy group tickets?

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We've simplified the group booking process this year! For parties with 15 or more guests, we offer a special group rate, but please note that all tickets must be pre-purchased. To make it even more convenient for you, you can now buy tickets directly from our website. Just choose your preferred time slot, select your ticket types and any add-ons you'd like, and complete your secure online purchase. Ready to get started? Purchase Tickets Here!

Can I buy tickets as a gift?

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Absolutely! Celebrate the season with your loved ones.

We suggest buying a Season Pass from our website since they aren't restricted to a specific date or time. When purchasing, make sure to include the recipient's name as it must match the name on the ticket.

Alternatively, you can gift someone a Single Entry Ticket, but be sure to coordinate with them to select their preferred date and timeslot for their visit.

Does the Christmas Carousel have any restrictions?

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Children must be

- Two years or older and
- Taller than 36 inches (or 91 centimetres)

to ride the Carousel. However, the Christmas Carousel is certainly not only for the young ones. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the ride.

Can I bring my pets into the Market?

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Service animals are welcome within the premises. However, in compliance with food and service licensing regulations, dogs of any size and other pets are not permitted in the Market area.

We do, however, have a pet accessories vendor at the Market – so you can treat your best friend to a little gift when you get home.

Is there a place to park my stroller?

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Yes, free stroller parking is available at the Market.

Please note that no attendant will monitor the stroller parking.

Is there seating or a resting area available?

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There are multiple benches throughout the Market. Visitors are also welcome to find seating in the heated Alpen Haus and the Winterdeck area.

The Alpen Haus is a heated area with chairs and tables to sit, socialize, and enjoy the great food offered by our vendors.

Is the Market wheelchair accessible?

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Yes! Jack Poole Plaza is considered a fully accessible venue and the Vancouver Christmas Market implements additional measures to make it even more accessible.

Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on site.

I’m a caregiver. Do I have to pay admission?

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To enhance accessibility and ensure that everyone can enjoy our Market, we offer a caregiver-friendly policy.

When you pre-purchase your ticket, your designated caregiver does not need to pre-purchase a ticket separately. Caregivers can simply present their validation (registered caregiver card or Access 2 card, etc.) at the gate for complimentary entry.

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